Abstract

Precision glass molding is a process that has historically met the need for volume production of complex shapes. The process is economical even at moderate volumes since a single tool can produce thousands of lenses without the need for rework. If the cost of tooling is covered up front, finished articles bear only the expense of materials and simple labor, thereby providing a low cost, high precision solution for volume applications. Since the process is very repeatable and the lenses are produced from the same mold, the resulting optics exhibit extremely low variation between production cycles and high fidelity with the mold surface.

Technological developments in medical, commercial, and military arenas have created a critical need for optical systems that conform to specifications for reduced size, lighter weight, greater durability, and higher performance. Glass molding technology can meet these demands through the economical production of aspheres and multi functional surfaces. This presentation will discuss recent development efforts to mold diffractive surfaces, lens arrays, and IR materials, and demonstrate how aspheres are being used in the design phase to improve overall system performance.

© 2010 OSA, SPIE